Reprieve
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence · Benjamin Vaughan Abbott · 1879
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence
n. A suspension of the execution of a sentence to punishment; a respite from penalty. Reprieve, V.: to grant a suspension of execution. Several grounds are recognized for granting a reprieve to a criminal sentenced to death: it may be granted upon doubt as to the justice of the conviction, and to allow time for further investigation, or for applying for a pardon; or because the convict appears to have become insane, or, being a woman, to be pregnant; or may be granted at the discretion of the executive power.